Stories from the winemakers

Sparkling Arnies: A Bright, Italian‑Varietal Made for Memorable Moments

Our Sparkling Arnies is bright, expressive and full of energy — the kind of sparkling that feels just as at home at a long lunch as it does at a casual dinner with friends. We released the first vintage at the end of 2025 and it quickly found its place as one of the most joyful wines in our cool‑climate range. Read more.

Pinot Noir at ChaLou: challenge and reward

Pinot Noir is the variety we have learned the most about since taking on our own block. It is one of the first vines to budburst, incredibly sensitive to weather and quick to reflect the unique fingerprints of the season. At 900 metres here in Orange, NSW, it is a variety that asks a lot of us – demanding patience, precision and a willingness to work with whatever the year brings. Read more. 

The Quixotic Label at ChaLou Wines

The name Quixotic is a quiet nod to my dad. He loved Don Quixote — the dreamer and the idealist who saw possibility where others saw limits. In many ways, Dad was a Don Quixote character himself, dreaming of retiring as a GP to make wine alongside my mum. This label is for the dreamers and for chasing those impossible dreams. We are always pursuing “unicorn” wines and the perfect expression of a season; sometimes, we are lucky enough to find it. Read more. 

Chenin Blanc at ChaLou: Our Story, Our Site, Our Why

Chenin Blanc has been part of my wine story for a long time. Before we planted it here at ChaLou, I spent time around Chenin in South Africa – tasting it in all its different expressions, seeing how it responded to climate and site and learning how beautifully it can hold both freshness and texture. Those early experiences stayed with me. Read more. 

How 2,300 New Vines Are Shaping the Future of ChaLou Wines

At ChaLou Wines, every bottle begins long before the grapes are harvested. It starts with soil, sweat and a shared vision. Over the past six months, our team has been deep in the process of propagating and planting 2,300 new Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines—a labor of love that reflects our commitment to quality, sustainability and the future of our vineyard in Orange, NSW. Read more.